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CARIBBEAN HOTEL
SECTOR PUTS CONTINGENCY PLAN IN PLACE. CHA is setting in motion a
number of preparedness and response measures on behalf of its
members, in light of the conflict in the Middle East and the
resulting impact on the tourism industry. “From the
experience of the Gulf War and the aftermath of September 11, 2001,
a drop in demand is to be expected,” said Dominican hotelier Simón
B. Suárez, President of CHA. “On the one hand, the industry
as a whole must be well prepared to weather a difficult period –
whose severity will be determined by how protracted or swift is the
conflict. On the other hand, it is those that respond
proactively with targeted strategies that will have the edge”.
CHA IS MOVING FORWARD ON TWO FRONTS.
First, CHA encourages its members to put in place policies that
protect visitors whose trip is canceled or who find themselves
stranded in the Caribbean. Secondly, CHA is developing a
public relations contingency plan to minimize the negative impact on
the Caribbean hospitality industry, by underscoring the region’s
key attributes in the current climate, such as its geographical
proximity to the United States, safety, and the diverse offerings
for families to travel and spend time together.
CHA WORKING IN COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC SECTOR.
“In today’s turbulent times, we
feel more committed than ever to work in conjunction with the public
sector for a common approach,” said Berthia Parle, 1st Vice
President of CHA and Chairperson of CHA’s Advocacy Committee.
“We are encouraging Caribbean governments to identify and
implement support plans. For example, if a hotel offers
reduced room rates to a stranded guest, the government should waive
the tax for that room as well. Likewise, if the airlines are
offering cancellation concessions and special rates, the governments
should support them by looking at ways they can reduce the airlines'
costs at least during the crisis, so that traveling to the Caribbean
remains viable for the airlines.”
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Trinidad
Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association,
P.O.
Box 243, Port of Spain,
Trinidad.,
Tel: (868) 634-1174/5
fax: (868) 634-1176 ,
e-mail: info@tnthotels.com
Website: www.tnthotels.com |
